Hybrid Vehicle Essay

2453 Words5 Pages

Alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles can one day play an important role in reducing pollution. The prospect of developing more sustainable energy has become very prevalent today as dependence of nonrenewable resources becomes less viable. Alternatives fuel sources include: ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen and electricity. Incorporation of these alternatives into the production vehicles can be beneficial to society. The research and development of hybrid vehicles is a rapidly expanding sector which grows in importance with each passing day. As the price per barrel of crude oil increases and various supply shocks affect the economy, emerging technologies in the automotive industry can help curb some environmental issues. Despite facing challenging shortcomings, hybrid vehicles could potentially help reduce harmful emissions, and reduce dependence on foreign oil thus brings forth emancipation from the crude oil chokehold. Now what exactly makes a vehicle a hybrid vehicle? Hybrid vehicles are defined as cars that have additional ways to power the engine beside gasoline alone. The physical attributes do not change drastically and safety compromise is not an issue. “Hybrids pose no more danger in a collision than do conventional vehicles.” (Griffin, & Shen, 2007, p. 179) Many elements and time consuming research go into developing a hybrid vehicle. For starters, weight reduction is a key component to making a hybrid vehicle. Even when using a conventional fuel options, weight reduction is an important factor to the improvement of fuel efficiency. “The demand for weight reduction in automotive vehicles has been increasing in recent years because of global environmental issues.” (Saito, Iwatsuki, Yasunaga, & Ando, 2000, p. 515) Various types... ... middle of paper ... ... on foreign oil. As of now hybrids do not have the popularity in the world that is needed. If the world continues to pollute at the rate it is going at now, the implications will be serious. More effort is needed from everyone to make this world a better place, and while hybrid vehicles are going to be extremely important, that is not the only thing that can be done. If one is not in a position to be able to drive a hybrid vehicle, other opportunities are out there to help the environment. Recycling is something that always helps the environment, and doing things such as walking, riding a bike, or even taking the bus can have bigger impact than is thought. This writer concludes that hybrid vehicles are an integral part of making a greener environment. Without them, along with the increasing rate of pollution, many countries are headed on a crash course for disaster.

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